Gifted a Serger

[IntuitiveJamie]

And I'm so happy! I've been wanting one for a long time. And it's an older Bernina which pleases me. However...I have NO IDEA how to use it. It did come with the directions..but it's sooo intimidating. I'm not sure i can figure this one out from reading the directions..I may be impaired in that way. Any suggestions on how to learn to use this?
TIA!

[rosie29]

How exciting! Congrats! Do you have a tech college nearby? Sometimes they offer serger classes. Otherwise, perhaps try a shop that sells sergers? They may be willing to let you purchase 1:1 "tutoring" time with an instructor. I think it would really be worth it. Have fun!

[courtenay_e]

You know...you might ask the person who gifted it to you if they used it, whether they would be willing to spend an afternoon showing you how to use it. Otherwise, I would go to a bernina dealer and see if they'd be willing to do a class with you. You'll have to pay them, because they didn't sell you the machine, but they probably know how to show you what to do, too!

[IntuitiveJamie]

Great ideas ladies and Thank you.
The person that gifted me it to me gave it to me b/c she doesn't have time to use it herself. She bought it used a year ago and hasn't used it once. So I don't think she'd have time to show me.
However I just realized I do know where a Bernina store is, so I will call them. As well as I know about a college that does some course stuff, like I think you are talking about.
So great ideas. Thanks.
I'm really excited about getting this. And I'm just so pleased it's an older Bernina b/c I am finding thru experience that newer sewing machines are kind of junky. So now I want to stick with older workhorses. Never knew I'd be so excited to get something old!
Thanks again!

[orangefoot]

There are all sorts of tutes on YouTube for threading and sewing with a serger too.

[FletchersMum]

I recently bought one used. Classes are a good idea butt there aren't any near me. I thought threading was going to be impossible but mine has easy to follow isntructions in the manual, plus the inside is color coded. It was intimidating but not impossible.

For me the hardest thing has been getting the tension right. I threaded it with 4 different colors so i can pinpoint what is loose. I haven't been able to adjust it well for 4 threads but I did manage a 3 thread overlock. good luck

[IntuitiveJamie]

I called the Bernina store and they do offer classes. She likes to do four 2 hour classes at $30/hr. But she said I can do as many or few as I like and that I would prob. get everything I needed out of just the first couple. Which is great. I highly doubt I'll take 8 classes. I just need the basics.
Thanks again for the suggestions.